Results, transfers, and the business of sport. Football, rugby, cricket, tennis, Formula 1, and more, from the Premier League to the Springboks. Key stories, summarised daily.
Sources: Browns' Ward again NFL's top-paid DB
Denzel Ward signed a two-year, $62.2 million contract with the Cleveland Browns that includes $52.3 million guaranteed. Ward, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, became the NFL's highest-paid defensive back with this agreement.
Is the World Cup for sale? Here’s what Fifa’s plans mean and what happens next | Paul MacInnes
Fifa is planning to sell commercial rights to its competitions and allow private investors to stake money in tournaments like the World Cup. President Gianni Infantino describes the initiative as democratizing football worldwide while facing criticism from Uefa over the commercial sales.
Geneva lands world chess title match as Gukesh and Sindarov set to make history
Geneva will host the 2024 world chess championship match between reigning champion Gukesh and challenger Sindarov from November 25 to December 15. Both players are 20 years old, making this the youngest world championship encounter since 1886, contested in a best-of-14-games format.
Wrexham face Liverpool with Premier League still in their sights despite setback
Wrexham missed the Championship playoffs on the final day of last season after finishing seventh in their first year in that division. The club faces Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium following victories against Manchester United and Leeds.
Fifa accused of ‘selling the soul of football’ over $20bn World Cup commercial rights sale plan
Fifa announced plans to sell commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors for approximately $20 billion. Uefa accused Fifa of "attempting to sell the soul of football" and is considering legal action against the proposal.
Conor McGregor calls for ‘Last Dance’ rematch with Max Holloway in 2027
Conor McGregor is calling for a 2027 rematch against Max Holloway after tearing his ACL during their fight that ended in 69 seconds. McGregor referenced the UFC's International Fight Week next July as the timing for what he called "The Last Dance" in an Instagram post.
Motorbikes and mountains: photographing the 2026 Tour de France – photo essay
Pete Goding has photographed the Tour de France for twenty years, beginning with Lance Armstrong's 2005 race. He is now documenting the 2026 race while stationed in Paris near the Place de la Concorde.
F1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do better
Mercedes achieved eight wins in eleven races, demonstrating dominant performance with a superior power unit that combines internal combustion and hybrid electrical elements. The team exceeded expectations as preseason favorites heading into the mid-season break.
Brundle's verdict on 'relentless' Norris, Piastri-Sainz incident and Malaysia return
The Hungarian Grand Prix showed competitive racing with the top four or five runners frequently visible together on camera, including drivers from all four leading teams. The race provided entertainment before the summer break in the first part of the 2026 F1 season.
Three-time Pro Bowler Adams, 30, to join Vikings
Jamal Adams, a 30-year-old three-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick, agreed to join the Minnesota Vikings. The 10-year NFL veteran played for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, where he converted from safety to linebacker.